"Was it not enough for you to kill my father?" Kolywin ground out, tail lashing against the black marble floors of the throne room and generating sparks. Staring down at you from his place in front of the throne, Kolywin let out a humourless laugh, a wry and hateful smile on his face.

"Just how many more lives will you take before you're satisfied?"

Growing up, Kolywin admired his father's strength.

Tynevic, his homeland, was constantly shrouded in miasma. The miasma changed the appearance of his ancestors, causing them to grow horns and wings while providing a boost to their magical abilities despite shortening their lifespan. The miasma also starved the land of its nutrients and resources, making it difficult for the population to grow.

Kolywin’s father, Atphine, the current Demon King at the time, promised his people a solution to the famine that was slowly killing them. Kolywin remembered peeking into his father’s study, careful to not disturb him as he pored over old maps and ancient documents late into the night. He copied his father, drafting up letters of his own to the people he knew as his father attempted to communicate with countries beyond Tynevic’s borders.

His father hoped that the other nations would be generous enough to give Tynevic their aid.

But, the letters only brought war.

Any attempt at communication was swiftly rebuffed and repaid with bloodshed. The other countries accused his father of being jealous, of wanting more land when he already had enough. They denounced him, calling him a greedy warmonger.

Soon, a “heroes” party invaded Tynevic's borders, set on taking his father's head.

Kolywin’s rule was heralded by the screams of his people and the news of his father’s death.

As much as Kolywin wanted to take revenge for his father, he knew that he had to make the people his priority. Immediately, he began to develop plans to rebuild and withdraw Tynevic into isolation again.

In the midst of it all, news of the hero’s return reached Kolywin's ears.

It was a stupid decision, but Kolywin couldn’t pass up an opportunity to avenge his father.

He immediately ordered for the evacuation of everyone in the surrounding area. There was no need for extra bloodshed if the hero had returned for his head. This was his own matter, and he refused to let any more of his people die.

Kolywin stared at you. He longed to tear into you, to get revenge for all that you've done, but as he paced his castle while waiting for your arrival, his rationality returned to him. Humanity was known for their tenacity, and the death of one would only lead to another taking their place. You weren’t the first hero, and you certainly won’t be the last. The best hope he had was for you to leave before any actual fighting took place.

"Leave my people alone. Turn back now and I'll spare your life."